Fortnite: Battle Royale Has Removed A Weapon This Week, Here’s Why

If you’re a fan of the SMG in Fortnite‘s Battle Royale mode, you should get some time in with the game now. Epic Games plans to at least temporarily remove it from the popular online shooter on PC, PS4, and Xbox One, although some variants of it will remain usable for the time being.

As part of its recent development update, Epic shared some plans it has for the game, including a 60 FPS mode on consoles and the introduction of new items. It also noted that a specific gun–the SMG–will be put into the “Vault.” The developer has since expanded on what this means exactly.

Effectively, the SMG will be gone completely from the game, though it will return in the future. “As we add more weapons, consumables, and other item types, we want to make sure that the balance of itemization isn’t ruined,” an Epic representative wrote on Reddit. “Expect more items to be released (and likewise vaulted!) in the future. And of course, items will often come back out of the Vault when the timing is right.”

It’s important to note that this change specifically involves the basic SMG; another post from Epic on Reddit confirmed, “Tactical SMG and the Suppressed SMG will still drop.” Unfortunately there’s no indication provided of just how long a stay in the Vault may last, be it days, weeks, or months.

Fortnite’s new update just added a weapon type in the Crossbow, which is silent and features unlimited ammo. New weapons and consumables are also in the works, Epic confirmed in its development update, though it also teased, “Additionally, we’re looking to add different types of items down the road (beyond just weapons and consumables) that will allow for exciting new ways to play.”

Beyond that, Epic also has plans for many new Limited-Time Modes. Among those on the way in the near future are a modified version of 50v50, Blitz (where matches are shorter), and one where there is less time between circles. The studio is also listening to feedback regarding proposed changes to Fortnite’s matchmaking.